Man City have five player of the season candidates for 2021/22

As the Premier League season ticks ever closer to its conclusion, Manchester City have released the first stage of voting for their annual Etihad Player of the Season award.

Last year, Ruben Dias swooped the prestigious award in his stellar debut season for the club. The Portuguese international joined in late September and completely revolutionised a struggling defensive unit. It was a transfer which ultimately helped guide City to yet another Premier League title, a fourth consecutive Carabao Cup and a club-first Champions League final appearance.

The prizes are yet to be handed out this season, but - despite a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exit - the Blues are four Premier League victories away from retaining their domestic crown for the second time under Pep Guardiola. It was a typically slow start to the season, but City's form over Christmas has given them a great chance to continue their dominance of England's top flight.

City recently released details about the annual Etihad Player of the Season award. So, who will join the likes of Sergio Agüero, Yaya Toure and David Silva on this illustrious list - we've taken a look at some of the favourites.

A winner of this award in 2019, Bernardo Silva is an obvious and clear favourite to receive it again in 2022.

Despite rumours of unhappiness towards the start of the season, Silva has put any niggling doubts to the back of his mind and - once again - produced the goods when City have needed him the most.

In what has become his best goalscoring season to date, Silva has scored eight Premier League goals and provided three assists in his 32 appearances. But the stats don't tell the full story; the Portuguese midfielder has been imperious and energetic for City